Kirkuk (IraqiNews.com) Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack that targeted security personnel and a senior tribesman earlier this week.

A report issued by the militant group’s media arm Amaq agency on Monday said that eight Iraqi security personnel, including six officers and two colonels were killed in an operation by the militants on Riyad-Hawija road.

Another statement by the group’s so-called Kirkuk State Media Center said militants targeted several personnel of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) killing eight of them, including six officers.

On Sunday, Kirkuk police said the militants carried out an attack against security troops in al-Rubeida village, south of the province. The attack killed each of Col. Fadel al-Sabaawi, police department chief, his son, a Federal Police personnel, Cap. Ali Ahmed, Maher Ali and Saeed Ahmed, from Tribal Mobilization Forces, and Walid Nuri head of al-Geheish tribe.

According to sources, several IS militants set up an ambush on the road linking between Kirkuk and Hawija.

Maj. Gen. Ali Fadel Umran, Commander of Kirkuk Operations, told Alghad Press on Monday that six militants involved in the attack were killed in an operation to follow the militants took place at al-Saadiya village in Hawija.

Earlier this week, security troops in Kirkuk announced applying a one-week plan to protect civilians during the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year at the province.